Food and waterborne pathogens

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Food- and waterborne pathogens are microorganisms that cause illness when ingested through contaminated food or water. These pathogens include bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins.

The foodborne pathogens can occur at any point in the food production process, from farm to table, including during harvesting, processing, storage, or preparation. Improper handling, cooking, or storage can allow these pathogens to thrive.

The waterborne pathogens typically enter water supplies through fecal contamination, inadequate wastewater treatment, or runoff from agricultural or industrial sites.

The most relevant infections transmitted through food and water in Norway today are caused by norovirus, Campylobacter, Salmonella, enteropathogenic E. coli, Yersinia, and Listeria, in addition to the traditional food poisoning bacteria Clostridium perfringens, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus (source: FHI).

Norwegian resources

Annual reports

Annual reports

The FHI (Folkehelseinstituttet) is responsible for collecting and publishing of annual reports on the surveillance of diseases caused by food- and waterborne pathogens in Norway.

MSIS

MSIS

The health registry MSIS (Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer) is the official system for monitoring infectious diseases in humans, food- and waterborne pathogens.

Mattilsynet

Mattilsynet

Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority) is responsible for ensuring food and water safety in Norway. It conducts inspections, monitors food and water quality, and enforces regulations to prevent contamination. The authority also collaborates with other institutions during foodborne outbreak investigations.

NORM-VET

NORM-VET

The surveillance program NORM-VET (Norsk overvåkingsprogram for antibiotikaresistens i mikrober fra fôr, dyr og næringsmidler) focuses on antibiotic resistance in microbes originating from feed, animals, and food. It works in conjunction with NORM to provide a comprehensive overview of antibiotic resistance trends across human and animal populations.

VI - Veterinærinstituttet

VI - Veterinærinstituttet

VI (Norwegian Veterinary Institute) monitors zoonotic pathogens, including those that can be transmitted through food. It provides expertise and laboratory support for detecting and analysing pathogens in food products, contributing to food safety.

External resources